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Our first Russian Opera
Posted January 23, 2008 For the first time in our 33-year history, we are proud to bring a Russian opera to the stage with a new production of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s heart-rending Eugene Onegin.
Based on the novel-in-verse by Alexander Pushkin, Eugene Onegin receives its name from the title character, a young aristocrat whose rejection of the beautiful Tatiana in his selfish arrogance, compounded by a fatal duel with his best friend, Lensky, deliver him into a state of tragic regret later in life, desperate to reclaim a lost chance for love.
To present the most culturally authentic production possible, Maestro Peter Mark has brought in significant talent from Russia and the Ukraine, all making company debuts:
- Russian-Israeli stage director Julia Pevzner for a traditional staging
- Russian soprano Veronica Mitina – who like Tchaikovsky and Pushkin hails from St. Petersburg – in her company debut as Tatiana
- A new set by Russian-Israeli set designer Alexander Lisiyansky, built completely by the production crew at Virginia Opera
Making his company debut in the title role is handsome baritone Jason Detwiler. Lensky will be sung by returning tenor Patrick Miller, who was highly-praised for his portrayal of Sam Polk in our premiere of Susannah (2006). Behind the scenes, Mr. Miller also fills the real-life role of husband to Ms. Mitina – their wedding festivities this past September included a reception with her family in St. Petersburg, Russia.
A tremendous return to the Virginia Opera stage comes in the role of the nurse, Filippievna, which will be sung by internationally-acclaimed Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Barbara Dever, who appeared with us as Klytemnestra in Elektra (2002) and Azucena in Il Trovatore (1989). A 14-year veteran of the Metropolitan Opera, Ms. Dever is also scheduled to sing Filippievna during their 2008-2009 season.
“It is always exciting to explore completely new areas of the operatic repertoire, and we are thrilled to take our first step into the world of Russian opera with this new production,” says Maestro Peter Mark, who will conduct all performances – except for the final performance in Richmond, which will be conducted by Assistant Artistic Director Joseph Walsh.
New lighting from returning designer Mark McCullough will illuminate the new set.
Eugene Onegin is proudly presented as part of Virginia Celebrates Russia – a cultural arts celebration offering Virginians a unique opportunity to discover the full beauty and richness of Russian culture through music, drama and art at events throughout the state. More information is available at www.vaopera.org/events.
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